Did you know that the Great Lakes hold nearly 20% of the world’s surface fresh water? Contemplating this volume of water is difficult! For context, if the combined volume of all 5 Great Lakes were spread over the lower 48 U.S. states, the depth of water would be close to 10 feet. However, the Great Lakes and their surrounding basin represent much more than their immense volume of water.
The basin that surrounds the lakes is home to a population of 35-40 million people. This is equivalent to roughly 10% of the U.S. population, and 30% of Canada’s population. The lakes are bordered by eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, encompassing a wide variety of terrain, land use, and recreation opportunities.
These massive inland seas shape our weather, commerce, unique history, food, and culture throughout the region. The Great Lakes are a source of moisture for large storms, bringing lake effect snow to the eastern and southern shores of the lakes. Warm, moist Gulf air and cold Arctic air collide in the Great Lakes, influencing, the region’s weather.
Great Lakes Discovery & Advocacy
To learn more about current research in the Great Lakes, learn more at NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab. To get involved in protecting the Great Lakes, visit the Alliance for the Great Lakes . Learn about local volunteer and outreach opportunities throughout the region.
Lake Superior’s Southern Shore
Great Lakes Non-Fiction | 5 Top Books
Many excellent books about the Great Lakes have been published in recent years. From personal narratives to historical accounts of shipwrecks to detailed ecological histories of the Great Lakes, there is an immeasurable amount of information to learn and discover. My reading preference leans more towards non-fiction. As such, I’ve shared five of my favorite Great Lakes titles here.
The Great Lakes Water Wars by Peter Annin
By far my favorite Great Lakes title is The Great Lakes Water Wars by Peter Annin. This book is a must read for anyone living in the Great Lakes region, or for anyone appreciates the importance of fresh water. Originally published in 2006, Great Lakes Water Wars highlights the unique relationship between Canada and the United States in managing Great Lakes water. The Great Lakes Compact is an agreement between eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces which strictly regulates diversions outside of the basin. The book also highlights several environmental battles and the political battles behind the fight for this precious resource.
Additionally, Annin highlights numerous case studies surrounding the increasing push for diversions of Great Lakes water outside of the basin. As water scarcity in the western United States grows and pressures on the Great Lakes increase, the understanding of the environmental conflicts and compromises of this enormous fresh water resource have become increasingly important. *As a note, the book was updated in 2018 to reflect new information regarding the Great Lakes Compact, new diversions, and the FoxConn project in Wisconsin.
Years ago I taught a class on the Great Lakes, using this book as our course text. I was amazed by the response and engagement with this book. By far one of my favorite classes in all my years of teaching. As a bonus, I was fortunate enough to hear Peter Annin speak a few years ago at a private college in Wisconsin. I cannot recommend this book enough!
The Death and Life of the Great Lakes by Dan Egan
Published in 2017 by W. W. Norton & Company, The Death and Life of the Great Lakes dives into the ecological history of the lakes, in addition to historic and new threats to the lake system. The topic of invasive (non-native) species such as zebra and quagga mussels, alewives, sea lamprey, and round gobies, is explored in depth. The author highlights the role of the St. Lawrence Seaway in increased ecological threats to the lakes, in addition to the near collapse of the Great Lakes system prior to the enactment of the Clean Water Act in 1972. This book provides a fascinating look at the history and ecological health of the Great Lakes system.
The Living Great Lakes: Searching for the Heart of the Inland Seas by Jerry Dennis
The Living Great Lakes: Searching for the Heart of the Inland Seas follows author Jerry Dennis on on his 6-week journey with a small crew from Lake Michigan to Maine aboard his two-masted schooner. In his narrative, Dennis details his observations and experiences throughout his journey, highlighting the history, environmental issues, and natural beauty of the Great Lakes.
This book is a memoir, travelogue, personal contemplation, and historical exploration – an engaging narrative that brings the Great Lakes to life. My favorite part of this book is the personal tales of fishermen, locals, and scientists that the author encountered along his journey. Originally published in 2004, the 20th Anniversary edition was published in 2024 with an updated introduction. This book transported me as though I was along for the journey. An excellent read!
Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald by John U. Bacon (2025)
The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down
Of the big lake they call Gitche Gumee
The lake, it is said, never gives up her dead
When the skies of November turn gloomy
With a load of iron ore twenty-six thousand tons more
Than the Edmund Fitzgerald weighed empty
That good ship and true was a bone to be chewed
When the gales of November came early
- Gordon Lightfoot, from the "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" (1976)
How many of us have been intrigued and fascinated by the story of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald? On November 10, 2025, the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald was commemorated in many cities and towns throughout the Great Lakes region. A timely addition to this commemoration was the publishing of the Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald by John U. Bacon.
Published in October of 2025 by Liveright Publishing Corporation, this book is a New York Times Bestseller and Best History Books of 2025. Admittedly, I have only just begun this book, so in all fairness I cannot speak to it fully. However, I cannot put it down. What draws me to this book is the human side with which John Bacon presents details about the lives of the 29 lost crew members – and the families they left behind. There have been many accounts of the tragedy of the Edmund Fitzgerald, but fewer highlighting the personal accounts of families left behind.
Great Lakes: Shipwrecks & Survivals by William Ratigan
For those interested in maritime history of the Great Lakes, Great Lakes: Shipwrecks & Survivals by William Ratigan is a must read. Published in 1960, the book is a collection of true stories of shipwrecks, including the 1915 Eastland disaster in the Chicago River. The book’s main focus is on shipwrecks from Lakes Michigan, Huron, and Erie, and includes numerous clippings from local newspapers. Additionally, watercolor images are included in the book. This title was published 15 years before the fateful sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975, but highlights several notable shipwrecks. A true testament to the mercurial nature of our inland seas!
Great Lakes Shipwrecks and Survivals by William Ratigan (image credit Thriftbooks)
Great Lakes Discovery
Whether your interests lie in the ecological history of the Great Lakes, dramatic stories of shipwrecks and survival, or the personal narratives and travels throughout the region, there are endless opportunities to learn more about these vast inland seas. Each of these titles will leave you in awe of, and with a greater appreciation for, the Great Lakes!
-Erin
Favorite Great Lakes Adventures
One of my favorite parts of the Great Lakes Region is the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. For over 40 years, I have enjoyed the scenic and vast beauty of Lake Superior’s southern shore. Read more about adventure, food and culture in one of my favorite cities in the region in my recent article: Marquette Michigan 2026 Adventure Guide: Recreation, Culture, and Food in the Upper Peninsula.
Additionally, learn more about Marquette, Michigan’s neighboring city of Munising to Experience Michigan’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Join in my Great Lakes Region Adventures!
April 1, 2025 by Erin
Marquette Michigan, located on the southern shore of Lake Superior, is the largest city in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Home to 20,000+ residents and known for outdoor recreation opportunities, this historic city on Lake Superior’s southern shore is a must visit!
Marquette Michigan, located on the southern shore of Lake Superior, is the largest city in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Home to 20,000+ residents and known for outdoor recreation opportunities, this historic city on Lake Superior’s southern shore is a must visit!
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